Ptiliola flammifera (Młynarski) reinstated as a species distinct from P. kunzei (Heer) (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae)

2007·0.4 MB·English

by  Oscar Vorst

Zootaxa 1546: 63–68 (2007) ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition)
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Copyright © 2007 · Magnolia Press ISSN1175-5334(online edition)
Ptiliola flammifera (Młynarski) reinstated as a species distinct from P. kunzei
(Heer) (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae)
OSCAR VORST
National Museum of Natural History, Naturalis, PO Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands. E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
Ptiliola flammifera (Młynarski) is recognised as a species distinct from P. kunzei (Heer). Apart from differences in the
structure of the aedeagus, both species can be separated by the pronotal surface and the apical fringe of the elytra. The
male of P. flammifera carries a distinct tuft of hairs on the metaventrite, absent in P. kunzei. Currently, P. flammifera is
only known from Poland and the Netherlands. A key for the identification of all three Palaearctic Ptiliola species is pre-
sented. A lectotype is designated for Trichopteryx kunzei Heer, 1841.
Key words: Ptiliidae, featherwing beetle, Ptiliola, Palaearctic region, identification key, lectotype designation
Introduction
The ptiliid genus Ptiliola Haldeman, 1848, includes minute beetles measuring about 0.6 mm. For a long time
it was named Nanoptilium Flach, 1889, and treated as a subgenus of Ptiliolum Flach, 1888. Generic rank was
attributed by Besuchet (1971), based on elytral structure, spermathecal morphology and the pygidium, which
in Ptiliola is ornated with a single spine only. Ptiliola was erected by Haldeman (1848) for the four species of
Gillmeister's "IV. Gruppe" [= fourth group] of Trichopteryx, the only ptiliid genus then recognized (Gillmeis-
ter 1845). Amongst them is Trichopteryx nana Stephens, 1830 (listed as a nomen oblitum by Johnson (2004)
and generally considered a senior synonym of Trichopteryx kunzei Heer, 1841), that was designated as the
type species of the genus Ptiliola by Motschulsky (1869). Biström and Silfverberg (1979) argued that Ptiliola
was the valid name of the genus, and that it had to replace the junior synonym Nanoptilium, which by original
monotypy has Trichopteryx kunzei Heer as type species.
In the Palaearctic region two valid species are currently recognised (Johnson 2004): Ptiliola kunzei (Heer,
1841) and P. brevicollis (Matthews, 1860). Both species have also been reported from North America
(Johnson 1990; Sörensson 2003). The first one is considered a true Holarctic element, while P. brevicollis is of
uncertain origin (Sörensson 2003).
Nanoptilium flammiferum and N. aequisetum
Młynarski (1985) described two new species in his treatment of the Polish species of Ptiliola (then Nanoptil-
ium). He recognized P. flammifera (Młynarski, 1985) and P. aequiseta (Młynarski, 1985) in addition to P. kun-
zei and P. brevicollis. Judging from the original descriptions and especially the pronotal shapes figured, both
species should be very close to P. kunzei. The species were separated from P. kunzei by the type of male
metasternal pubescence, subtle differences in pronotal shape and characteristics of the apical fringe of the
Accepted by V. Gusarov: 2 Jul. 2007; published: 9 Aug. 2007 63
elytra. Some of these characters are unconventional in ptiliid taxonomy. There are no records published of
those two species since.
Recently, Johnson (2003) concluded that both “species” should be considered forms and therefore syn-
onyms of P. kunzei. His judgement was based on careful consideration of the original descriptions, which do
not mention differences in the male genitalia nor spermathecae, and the observation that “male European
specimens of Ptiliolakunzei seen by me have pubescence characters of aequiseta”. Unfortunately, type speci-
mens of both species were not accessible for study.
Recently, I got hold of several specimens of a Ptiliola species different from P. brevicollis and P. kunzei,
that matches the description of P. flammifera. Close examination revealed additional differential characters in
pronotal structure and aedeagus indicating that P. flammifera should be reinstated as a proper species.
Depositories
cMS Collection M. Sörensson, Lund, Sweden
cOV Collection O. Vorst, Utrecht, The Netherlands
MHNG Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle, Genève, Switzerland (G. Cuccodoro)
RMNH National Museum of Natural History, Naturalis, Leiden, The Netherlands (A. van Assen)
WML World Museum Liverpool, United Kingdom (G. Knight)
ZMAN Zoological Museum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (B. Brugge)
Ptiliola flammifera (Młynarski, 1985)
(Figs. 1, 4, 5, 7, 10)
Material studied. THE NETHERLANDS: Prov. of Gelderland: 2 exx, De Imbosch, Nieuwe Aanleg, UTM
& %
GT024723, 7.vi.2002 ( ), 28.viii.2002 ( ), carcass of Highland cattle in Pinus plantation, O. Vorst (cOV); 2
% &
exx, De Imbosch, Veertien Bunder, UTM GT0472, 30.viii.2002 ( ), 19.xi.2002 ( ), carcass of wild boar in
& &
mixed forest, O. Vorst (cOV); (cf P. flammifera), Doorwerth, 2.iv.1923, Van der Wiel (ZMAN); , Loenen,
Loenermark, UTM GT049742, 7.vi.2002, carcass of Highland cattle in dense Pseudotsuga stand, O. Vorst
& %%
(cOV); 6 exx, Worth-Rhederzand, Tunnekes, UTM KC947701, 18.iv.2003 ( ), 9.v.2003 (2 [Figs. 1, 4, 5,
&&
7, 10], 3 ), carcass of Highland cattle in open Pinus forest, O. Vorst (cOV).
Diagnosis. Very similar in general shape and overall appearance to P. kunzei. Size (labrum to apex of
elytra): 0.60–0.66 mm (average 0.63 mm, N = 7).
Pronotal pubescence is less dense than in P. kunzei; reticulation on the pronotum is somewhat coarser and
less pronounced, especially towards the frontal margin (Figs. 1, 2). As a result, the overall appearance of the
pronotum, when studied under reflecting light, is more shiny. The same is true for the dorsal surface of the
head.
μ
The apical margin of elytra ornated with a regular 2.5-3.0 m long fringe (Fig. 5). In P. kunzei the fringe is
μ
finer and more dense, measuring only 1.5-2.0 m; towards the suture the fringe is fused to form a few charac-
teristic brush-shaped structures (Fig. 6). The structure of the elytral fringe is best studied by transmitted light
microscopy at high magnification (300 X) with the object in a matrix (e.g. water or a resin), or by scanning
electron microscopy. Spermatheca is very similar to that of P. kunzei.
Male aedeagus is smaller than in P. kunzei (Figs. 7, 8); the aedeagal sclerites are differently shaped, in
ventral view more stout, in lateral view more curved than in P. kunzei (Figs. 10, 11). Male metaventrite (in
Coleoptera this structure is—erroneously—known as metasternum, cf Beutel & Leschen 2005) is smoothly
excavated, apically bordered by a distinct tuft of erect hairs (Fig. 4); the excavation and the tuft are absent in
P. kunzei.
64 · Zootaxa 1546 © 2007 Magnolia Press VORST
FIGURES 1–6. Scanning electron micrographs of Ptiliola flammifera (1, 4, 5), P. kunzei (2, 6) and P. brevicollis (3). 1–
μ μ μ
3. Pronotum, scale bar 50 m; 4. Male metaventrite, scale bar 20 m; 5, 6. Apical fringe of elytra, scale bar 10 m.
Although no syntypic material was studied, the identity of this species seems without doubt. The tuft of
hairs on the metaventrite in the male (Fig. 4) and the structure of the apical fringe of the elytra (Fig. 5) closely
match the figures in the original description (Młynarski 1985).
Bionomics. The amount of material at hand does not allow drawing firm conclusions about the ecological
preferences of P. flammifera, but it seems to be generally associated with decaying organic material. Although
all Dutch records are from carcasses of larger mammals this result is biased by the fact that little other poten-
tial habitats were sampled from these localities. In Poland, the species has been reported from decaying hay
and horse droppings (Młynarski 1985). Possibly a forest species.
Distribution. So far only known from Poland (Młynarski 1985) and the Netherlands, but probably of
wider distribution.
Ptiliola kunzei (Heer, 1841)
(Figs. 2, 6, 8, 11)
&
Type material. Lectotype (by present designation): : [no original label], "Lectotypus / Trichopteryx kunzei
Heer, 1841 / design. O.Vorst 2007" (WML, Collection F. Chevrier). Paralectotypes: 2 exx: [no original
label], "Paralectotypus / Trichopteryx kunzei Heer, 1841 / design. O.Vorst 2007" (WML, Collection F. Chev-
rier).
PTILIOLA FLAMMIFERA REINSTATED Zootaxa 1546 © 2007 Magnolia Press · 65
&&
Additional material studied. THE NETHERLANDS: Prov. of Drenthe: 2 , Anderen, Eexterveld,
%% &&
UTM LD4647, 29.v.2005, cattle dung in grazed heath land, O. Vorst (cOV); 2 [Figs. 2, 6, 8, 11], 2 ,
&&
Dwingeloosche Heide, UTM LD2452, 6.ix.2003, cattle dung in grazed heath land, Vorst (cOV); 2 ,
Uffelte, Oosterzand, UTM LD1554, 26.viii.2006, cattle dung in grazed heath land, Vorst (cOV); Prov. of
& &
Gelderland: , Apeldoorn, Kerkhoven (RMNH); Prov. of Utrecht: , Doorn, .viii.1888, Neervoort van de Poll
% %
(RMNH); Prov. of Zuid-Holland: , Den Haag, v [May], Everts (RMNH); Prov. of Noord-Brabant: , Westel-
%
beers, Landschotsche Heide, 11.vi.2006, horse dung in forest, Vorst (cOV); Prov. of Limburg: , Neercanne,
% &&
17.x.1950, Excursion St. Pietersberg (RMNH); 1 2 , St. Pietersberg, 23.iii.1950, Excursion St. Pieters-
%%
berg (RMNH); 2 , Weert, .vi.1919, MacGillavry (ZMAN). GERMANY: Niedersachsen: 3 exx, Aldrup,
% & % &
25.vi.1959 ( ), 28.iv.1962 ( ), 6.x.1962 ( ), Kerstens (RMNH); Saarland: , Nennig, 8.vi.1996, heap of
%
decaying hay, Vorst (cOV). SWITZERLAND: Genève: , 3 exx, La Plaine, 19.ix.1983, rotting plant mate-
% &
rial, Besuchet (MHNG); Vaud: , , 6 exx, Bussigny, 6.vi.1953, horse droppings, Besuchet (MHNG).
& ñ ñ
LATVIA: Valga Distr.: , Me mui a, Rauza River, UTM MD3959,14.vi.2005, river bank in Alnus forest,
% &&
Vorst (cOV). FINLAND: Oulu Prov.: , 2 , Hiidenportti National Park, UTM PL0286, 2.viii.2006, decay-
% &&
ing boletes in mixed forest, Vorst (cOV); Prov. of Western Finland: , 2 , Lahdenkylä, UTM MJ1070,
4.viii.2006, horse droppings in forest, Vorst (cOV).
Remarks. Heer (1841) attributed Trichopteryx kunzei in his “Fauna Coleopterorum Helvetica” to
Chevrier, who, however, never published this manuscript name. The type locality was cited as Genf (=
Geneva). No syntypic material of this species could be traced in the collections of the Eidgenössische Tech-
nische Hochschule Zürich (M. Schmid, personal communication), where the Heer collection is preserved, nor
in MHNG (G. Cuccodoro, personal communication). In the Chevrier collection, kept at WML, there are three
unlabelled specimens standing as Ptilium kunzei. From Chevrier's catalogue that accompanies his collection it
becomes clear that these should be treated as syntypes. The entry under “Kunzei Mihi” reads: “G. HFH.”,
where “G.” is used as shorthand for Geneva and “HFH.” most likely stands for Heer's Fauna Helvetica. The
three specimens are conspecific and fit the current interpretation of Trichopteryx kunzei. A female specimen,
whose identity could be confirmed by the apical fringe of the elytra, is herewith designated as lectotype.
FIGURES 7–12. Aedeagi of Ptiliola flammifera (7, 10), P. kunzei (8, 11) and P. brevicollis (9, 12) in ventral (7–9) and
μ
lateral (10–12) view. Scale bar 50 m.
Ptiliola brevicollis (Matthews, 1860)
(Figs. 3, 9, 12)
% &&
Material studied. THE NETHERLANDS: Prov. of Groningen: [Figs. 3, 9, 12], 4 , Overschild,
&
Schildmeer, UTM LE5506, 18.ix.2004, heap of decaying grass, Vorst (cOV); Prov. of Overijssel: , Fort-
66 · Zootaxa 1546 © 2007 Magnolia Press VORST
&
mond, Duursche Waarden, UTM LD0306, 24.iv-14.v.1998, window trap at river meadow, Vorst (cOV); ,
Weerribben, Woldakkers, UTM GU0153, 31.viii.2001, heap of old hay and reeds, edge of Alnus forest, Vorst
&
(cOV); Prov. of Limburg: , Urmond, UTM FS9552, 22.viii.2000, heap of horse manure, forest edge, Vorst
&&
(cOāV). GERMANY: Sķaarlaņnd: 2 , Nennig, 8.vi.1996, heap of decaying Śhaąy, Vorst (cOV).& LATVIA:
Kr slava Distr.: 1 ex, Š elti i, 1.viii.1995, A. Barševskis (cOV). POLAND: l sk Voivodship: , "Silesia,
%
Teschen" [= Cieszyn], Th. von Wanka (RMNH). SWEDEN: Uppland: , Storvreta, 30.x.1993, A. Lindelöw
(cMS).
Key to the Palaearctic species of Ptiliola
1. Smaller, length (labrum to elytral apex) usually less than 0.59 mm; pronotum less transverse, sides more
rounded, posterior angles little defined (Fig. 3). Male: aedeagal sclerites not reaching half the length of
the aedeagus, strongly sclerotized (Figs. 9, 12); metaventrite simple...................P. brevicollis (Matthews)
- Larger, length usually more than 0.59 mm; pronotum more transverse, sides less rounded, somewhat nar-
rowed anteriad (Figs. 1, 2). Male: aedeagal sclerites larger, more than half the length of the aedeagus,
sclerotization weaker (Figs. 7, 8, 10, 11); metaventrite simple or ornated with a tuft of hairs (Fig. 4)......2
2. Apical fringe of elytra regular and somewhat wider (Fig. 5) (this character is best appreciated by transmit-
ted light microscopy). Pronotal reticulation somewhat coarser and less pronounced, especially towards the
frontal margin (Fig. 1); as a result the overall appearance of the pronotum, when studied under reflecting
light, more shiny. Male: aedeagus smaller; aedeagal sclerites in ventral view more stout (Fig. 8); metaven-
trite smoothly excavated, apically bordered by a distinct tuft of erect hairs (Fig. 4)....................................
..............................................................................................................................P. flammifera (Młynarski)
- Apical fringe of elytra more narrow, towards the suture fused to form a few brush-shaped extensions (Fig.
6). Pronotal reticulation somewhat finer and more pronounced (Fig. 2); as a result the overall appearance
more dull. Male: aedeagus larger; aedeagal sclerites in ventral view more slender, somewhat contracted in
the middle (Fig. 7); metaventrite simple...............................................................................P. kunzei (Heer)
Discussion
The present study shows that the recently synonymized Ptiliola flammifera is a valid species distinct from P.
kunzei. Młynarski (1985) used somewhat unconventional characters when describing P. flammifera and P.
aequiseta, including the apical fringe of the elytra. At the same time other, widely accepted ones, like the
excavation of the male metaventrite and aedeagal and spermathecal characters were ignored. The main reason
for this apparently is that he based his studies on slide mounted rather than dry-mounted specimens, a method
which is unusual for European workers. Only in material prepared this way the apical fringe of the elytra is
easily observed.
Ptiliola aequiseta, the second species described by Młynarski (1985), seems to be correctly synonymized
with P. kunzei (Johnson 2003). It is clear from the original description that the supposed differences from P.
kunzei are much more subtle than in P. flammifera. The pronotal shape and the apical fringe of the elytra are
described as identical in both species. The slight differences mentioned are in pubescence of both male and
female metaventrite only (Młynarski 1985). The genitalia were not illustrated.
PTILIOLA FLAMMIFERA REINSTATED Zootaxa 1546 © 2007 Magnolia Press · 67
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank A. van Assen (RMNH), B. Brugge (ZMAN), G. Cuccodoro (MHNG), G. Knight (WML)
and M. Sörensson (Lund) for the loan of material; J. Goud and C. van den Berg (RMNH) for preparing the
scanning electron micrographs, and A. ten Hoedt, J. Potkamp and H. van Dijk of Vereniging Natuurmonu-
menten for giving permission to study the beetle fauna at “Veluwezoom” and providing assistance afield.
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